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🌱 Patch AM: How Cambridge’s new zoning just turned one lot into $3 million

Be sure to catch 5 Keys to Buying a Home on the Cambridge Patch calendar

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Hey there, Cambridge! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Cambridge’s new zoning just turned one lot into $3 million
  • Could a Cambridge-made sensor end daily finger pricks for diabetics?
  • How a Cambridge living room helped launch New England’s Christmas tree tradition

Also on today's calendar: 5 Keys to Buying a Home and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Cambridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Cambridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Monday: Colder; breezy in the morning, with a high of 34 and low of 28 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Periods of snow, 1-3", temps: high: 36, low: 32.
  • Wednesday: Breezy with sun and clouds, with a high of 36 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Upzoning Starts to Deliver Windfalls in Cambridge (bankerandtradesman.com) — Cambridge’s new multifamily zoning is already doubling land values in neighborhoods like Cambridge Highlands and West Cambridge, and even inspiring buyers to block potential redevelopment. As the City Council weighs even taller buildings in Porter and Inman squares, residents and officials are clashing over height, affordability, and the future character of corridors like Cambridge Street and Massachusetts Avenue.
   

2. Simply Shining Light on Skin Can Replace Finger Pricks for People With Diabetes (goodnewsnetwork.org) — Researchers at MIT in Cambridge have created a noninvasive way to measure blood sugar using near-infrared light, potentially eliminating many finger pricks for people with diabetes. Their shoebox-sized prototype has matched current invasive monitors in early tests, and a wearable version is now being trialed locally, with a larger hospital-based study planned next year.
   

3. Cambridge was home to the first Christmas tree in Massachusetts (cambridgeday.com) — Cambridge’s own Charles Follen is credited with bringing the first decorated Christmas tree to Massachusetts, hosting it in his Cambridge home in 1832 and inspiring a tradition that spread across New England. This historical profile traces his journey from German revolutionary to Harvard professor and abolitionist, and connects his legacy to present-day landmarks like Follen Street and History Cambridge’s work.
   

4. Data center impact on ratepayers tops legislative agenda (lowellsun.com) — Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing a bill to prevent residential electric rates from rising due to the huge power demands of large data centers, including one in Cambridge. The proposal, driven by neighborhood concerns in Lowell, would bar utilities from shifting data-center-related infrastructure costs onto households and require detailed cost reporting to the state. Cambridge readers could see statewide rules that shape how future data facilities affect their own bills.
   

5. Massachusetts Has 2 Cities Ranked Top 20 'Best Quality Of Life', Including #1! (wokq.com) — Cambridge just landed at #16 in a new national “quality of life” ranking that evaluated 500 U.S. cities on health, environment, and economic stability. Newton took the top spot, and Somerville, Quincy, and Boston also made the top 100, underscoring how strong Greater Boston’s overall livability looks right now.
   

📸 Around Cambridge

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Seeking referral for upgrading attic access
    Hi neighbors, I’m looking for recommendations for a licensed contractor or residential architect who has experience with attic access or attic… (Nextdoor Strawberry Hill)
  • Hersha Hospitality Management, LP posted a job opening for Room Attendant - Housekeeper in Cambridge. Apply here.
  • City of Cambridge Massachusetts posted a job opening for Preschool Teacher/Coordinator (Inclusion) in Cambridge. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cambridge here.

Ok Cambridge! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel your pane.
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